The UN has declared June 21 International Yoga Day, and Narendra Modi is looking to put yoga on the world map. The Prime Minister’s wish seems to be getting fulfilled to some extent. On Monday, a seminar by the railway union on cleanliness ended with participants performing three yogasanas.

A few hundred people, according to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation officials, started with Hasya Yoga, where participants raise their hands and laugh their hearts out. This was followed by a deep breathing exercise “to be at peace” (Bhastrika). The yogasanas were guided by AN Tripathy, Senior Deputy Personnel Officer.

Finally, delegates were guided to perform Yog Nidra (yogic sleep), albeit in standing position, relaxing each part of their body. The exercise ended with the chanting of “Om” — to ensure “flow of energy in the body”.

Speaking on the occasion, Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, requested Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to look into the Career Progression of Railway sanitation staff. He also sought provision of an adequate number of sanitation staff and dustbins at railway platforms and premises. Simultaneously, he stressed on strict enforcement of laws to prohibit people from dirtying the Railways.

Prabhu stated that railway workers and commuters are two sides of the same coin and coordination between them is the need of the hour. He emphasised the importance of cleanliness and appealed for adoption of yoga for a healthy life. He also requested all the members present to propagate the message of the countrywide yoga programme on June 21.

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